WALES’ sexiest man is quietly pondering the relationship between funny and desirable.

“It’s a weird one, because being able to make someone laugh is sexy,” says Rhod Gilbert, minutes after we interrupt his tour to break the news he’s our number one.

“But then you can go too far and make a huge fool of yourself – and that’s not always very sexy.

“It’s complicated, isn’t it?”

The multi award-winning comic from Carmarthen is also putting some thought into why he deserves such a title, beating perhaps more obvious names like Steve Jones and Mike Phillips to take the top spot.

“I was out with Mike Phillips last Saturday night and he’s a far sexier man than me,” he says.

“I’m a 42-year-old grizzly, whingey, scruffy, dirty man. I’ve had these jeans on for four weeks”

“Why didn’t you choose a rugby player or a handsome actor?

“Maybe me winning shows there’s something out there for everyone.”

Ask any woman why Rhod Gilbert is sexy and they may not be able to define it.

Aside from the fact he makes us laugh, is it the gravelly voice? The look that suggests he has more fun things to do than pick up a razor?

Or is it the sensitive ‘new man’ appeal of someone who once presented his live Radio Wales Saturday morning show so hungover that he confessed he wanted to cry?

Rhod then spent a good proportion of the programme near-wailing in the arms of co-host and best mate, Chris Corcoran – who’s also in our list.

“Being funny hasn’t always been very cool,” says Rhod.

“You’re risking how people see you. If you worried about being attractive, you couldn’t do it.

“But everyone likes someone who makes them laugh,” he adds.

“Laughing makes you feel good about yourself, which is sexy, and I’ve always gravitated towards people who have that affect on me. I could never go out with someone who didn’t have the ability to have me in hysterics.”

Rhod, who is currently taking his Rhod Gilbert and The Cat That Looked Like Nicholas Lyndhurst show around the UK, says his girlfriend, comedy writer Sian Harris, will keep him suitably grounded.

“She’ll laugh in my face when she finds out!”

And while he admits to having some idea of his female fanbase, he claims not to understand the attraction.

“At 42, I still see myself as the gawky teenager I was,” he says.

“A gangly, angst-ridden, insecure thing, a hideous string of beans with no bum and no legs.”

He has no interest in fashion, he says, other than his collection of leather jackets, “but I’ve got a look that I like – eighties rock music-inspired. I’ve got studs on my belt. It’s quite tragic.”

But the audiences love it – and expect to see even more of the man who confesses, “people either love me or they hate me”.

Rhod, who splits his time between Cardiff and London, now presents The Graham Norton show Monday nights but could eventually replace him on the coveted Friday night slot.

“Graham Norton said to me the other day, ‘You’ll be moving to Friday night and I’ll be moving to the country’,” he says.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, I’m just enjoying myself.”

Next is a new series of Rhod Gilbert’s Work Experience after Christmas, and he’s waiting to hear if the BBC have commissioned a second series of his panel show, Ask Rhod Gilbert.

“Then I’m going to start writing a brand new stand-up show for next year.”

But he’s still struggling to work out why he’s Wales’ sexiest man.

“I can’t get my head around it,” he says.

“I’m depressed about it actually. I was enjoying making my way slowly up the list. Now the only way is down.”

And then at the end of the interview, after what seems like some real soul-searching, Rhod reaches a conclusion.

“I’ve worked it out. It’s the recession. That’s why I’m number one. Times are hard and we’re all tightening our belts. I’m the credit crunch sexiest man! Hopefully someone better will get it when things pick up.”

2. JAMIE ROBERTS

Last year’s winner Jamie plays rugby for Wales, is training to be a doctor, and is a true gent. When we told him he’d won last year, the 6ft 4in, 24-year-old star described it as “a privilege and an honour”, joking that as he was spoken for, he hoped the title would attract female attention for his housemates! He told us sexy, to him, was “someone who challenges me intellectually”. Hear hear!

3. MATT JOHNSON

We get to see more of this Abertridwr-born TV presenter thanks to his regular appearances on ITV1’s This Morning with Holly and Phil. The 27-year-old, who used to date this year’s sexiest Welsh woman, The One Show’s Alex Jones, is signed with Billy Marsh Associates, who look after Bruce Forsyth and Fiona Phillips. So we’re sure it’s not going to be long before he takes a permanent place on a primetime sofa so we can watch him every day.

4. STEVE JONES

Former Versace model Steve has just left Channel Four’s weekend hangover slot T4 after seven years and we’ll miss him fronting the show on Sundays. The gorgeous 33-year-old, who has turned his hand to acting but says he prefers the fast thrill of presenting, has exciting secret projects in the pipeline so watch this space.

5. YESTYN GRIFFITHS

Love the heart-tugging pieces of music on hit US shows like Vampire Diaries and Grey’s Anatomy? Chances are they were written by 27-year-old Penarth singer/songwriter Yestyn Griffiths. In the last 18 months, the younger brother of multi-million selling Welsh singer Jemma Griffiths, aka Jem, has seen downloads for his songs rocket as US audiences have gone in search of his tracks online. He works under the name Glass Pear and has an album out, Streets Of Love, through his own WOL label.

6. ADAM MATTHEWS

At 18, he’s too young for us really but it’s blokes like Adam who make us want to change our Christmas plans and go and watch Cardiff City on Boxing Day – who needs more turkey? There was talk of the brooding defender going to Man Utd so he’s definitely one to look out for.

7. ANEURIN BARNARD

Since winning an Olivier award, lovely Aneurin has barely had time off. He’s currently filming Hunky Dory with actress Minnie Driver and you can also soon see the 23-year-old from the Ogmore Valley in Guinea Pigs, a horror based on a group of young Brit volunteers who end up fighting for their lives when medical trials go horribly wrong.

8. IWAN RHEON

Misfits star Iwan, from Carmarthen, also won an Olivier alongside our number seven as the friends appeared together in musical Spring Awakening on the West End and the pair are our hottest exports of the moment. Catch 25-year-old Iwan soon alongside Michael Sheen and Kimberley Nixon in Resistance, about an isolated Welsh village in the 1940s which sees all its men mysteriously vanish.

9. TOM ELLIS

Cardiff-born Tom played doctor Oliver in EastEnders and can now be found as dishy Gary in silly comedy Miranda on BBC One where on Monday he stripped down to his boxers for some will they/won’t they scenes with Miranda herself. He’s married to equally sexy actress Tamsin Outhwaite.

10. MATTHEW RHYS

The charming Brothers and Sisters star from Cardiff lives in LA but comes home for a Sunday roast whenever he can. This year he brought out a picture book about his experiences in Patagonia, but the 36-year-old insists he has no plans to become a writer. See him next in thriller, Luster.

11. LEE BYRNE

The Welsh international and Western Mail columnist is back after injury and returned fighting fit in the autumn internationals. The 6ft 3in 30-year-old from Bridgend is newly single too, but has denied rumours he’s dating The One Show presenter Alex Jones – insisting the pair are just good friends.

12. BRYN TERFEL

The international bass baritone with the twinkly eyes made a welcome return to the Welsh Proms this year, performed Wagner with Welsh National Opera at the Royal Albert Hall and most excitingly, is releasing his CD of carols and Christmas songs on Monday, his first ever festive album. See you under the mistletoe, Bryn!

13. OWEN SHEERS

Abergavenny-raised poet Owen makes us feel alive, whether he’s reading war poetry from the 1940s or work of his own. He’s keeping up the wonderful Welsh poetry tradition and we can’t get enough. The 36-year-old’s debut novel Resistance is now being made into a film featuring our No 8, Iwan Rheon and No 17, Michael Sheen.

14. IOAN GRUFFUDD

Best friends with our No 10, Matthew Rhys, Gruffudd exudes a similar boyish charm that captured Hollywood. Some trivia – his voice has appeared in a Family Guy episode. The 37-year-old from Llwydcoed near Aberdare is about to star with Ben Kingsley in a film about an IRA gunner who goes into hiding on Christmas Day.

15. LUKE EVANS

Aberbargoed actor Luke was last seen as the only sensible one in country romp, Tamara Drewe, alongside Gemma Arterton. His muscular brawn has appeared in Robin Hood and Clash of the Titans so it was nice to see the 31-year-old show off his gentle side to play the Gabriel Oak-descended Andy Cobb.

16. KELLY JONES

Kelly, 36, will always be one of our favourite men in Welsh rock – we’ve always fancied the Stereophonics singer – and now the band have re-released first two albums Word Gets Around and Performance and Cocktails, we’re reliving the crush all over again.

17. MICHAEL SHEEN

Famous for playing Tony Blair, Brian Clough and David Frost, Port Talbot actor Sheen found out more about himself recently on the BBC series Coming Home. The 41-year-old, who is passionate about Welsh theatre, is dating Midnight In Paris co-star actress Rachel McAdams.

18. GAVIN HENSON

We’re not sure how he continues to get away with that deadpan attitude on Strictly Come Dancing, when he’s showing off his six-pack and wearing sequins on his trousers, but it makes us laugh all the same. Even Peter Andre reckons he’s a fan of the super-toned 28-year-old Wales and Lions rugby star-turned-dancer from Bridgend.

19. PETE LAWRIE

The second Penarth singer/songwriter on our list, Pete’s granddad gave him a trumpet when he was 10 and his love of music took off from there. All big green eyes and chiselled good looks, Pete’s star is rising, with an album due out in the new year and a string of gigs on a huge tour. See him now.

20. ANDY WHITFIELD

This Anglesey-born former model had his major breakthrough playing rebellious slave Spartacus on Bravo. The 36-year-old was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after completing the first series but was cleared by doctors to return to work and trained hard to get ready for season two.

21. GARETH EDWARDS

His film Monsters, a low budget horror filmed around Central South America, has been dubbed this year’s Cloverfield. The 35-year-old writer/director from Pontypool is laid-back about his impending success, insisting he’s not in it for box office glory. It’s out in cinemas now.

22. OWEN MARTELL

Our second poet on the list is dreamy Owen, 34. He grew up in Pontneddfechan and wrote his first Welsh language novel while a student at Aberystwyth which won the Arts Council of Wales’ Welsh Book of the Year. He also works as a translator and can be found in the coolest cafès of Paris, where he now lives.

23. GETHIN JONES

Former Blue Peter presenter Gethin, 32, from Cardiff, is the other half of Katherine Jenkins and now fronts ITV1’s Police, Camera, Action. But with the exit of Jason Manford from The One Show, we’d like to suggest he takes his place. In the past he’s covered on the sofa for a week and we think he’d do a great job.

24. JOSEPH MORGAN

Born in Swansea as Joseph Martin, this 30-year-old smouldering blond made his breakthrough in the $25m TV remake of screen classic Ben-Hur. made famous by Charlton Heston in the 1959 multi-Oscar winner. He’s also starred in Mansfield Park and next year he’s due to appear in a whopping five films.

25. RYAN JONES

He may not be the Welsh captain anymore, but he’ll always be one of our favourites. This former number one on our list, who only took up rugby aged 17, came first in 2006 and his floppy hair and beaming smile still turns our heads every time.

26. HUW EVANS

Curly-haired musician Huw is back presenting with a Christmas special of S4C magazine show, Bandit, on December 29. where he’ll be presenting alongside DJ Huw EvansGuitarist and singer Huw also has a debut album, A Cup Of Salt, out now. He performs under the elusive moniker, H. Hawkline.

27. MATTHEW HITT

Model Matthew has walked for Lanvin and Prada and appears in Missoni’s spring/summer 2011 campaign. The 23-year-old was born in Rhondda and now graces catwalks all over the world. He also finds the time to front his Cardiff band, The Muscle Club.

28. NATHAN PALMER

Rugby player-turned-fashion designer Nathan, from Cardiff, used to play for Newport but now runs his own clothing line of dapper menswear. Rapper Professor Green recently snapped up some of his shirts and the hunky 27-year-old’s sport-inspired designs can be found in boutiques across the UK.

29. TIM PRICE

Scriptwriter Tim started life reporting on one of our sister papers in the Valleys and now writes for some of the biggest shows on TV. He’s written for Casualty and EastEnders and is also one of the founders of Cardiff theatre group, Dirty Protest.

30. PARIS ETORIA

Doe-eyed 22-year-old Paris from Cardiff represented Wales in baseball as a youngster but is now a model who has worked for Fila and walked at London Fashion Week for Welsh designer Elliott Frieze’s former label Qasimi. This autumn he stripped for a TK Maxx campaign to raise awareness of the charity Cancer Research UK.

31. IOLO WILLIAMS

Wildlife broadcaster Iolo’s shows teach us more about wildlife than any of the rubbish tasks on I’m a Celebrity. Whether it’s The Secret Life of Birds on BBC One or Bro, the show he presents on S4C with Shân Cothi, his easy-going manner and old-fashioned bloke appeal keeps us all tuning in.

32. JAMES KENNEDY

One for the rock chicks – the singer and lead guitarist with reformed band Kyshera has a look of Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day. The band’s debut album, Made in China, was hailed as ‘warped genius’ and the new album was released in the summer. We know he’s all rock and everything, but we think he’s cute as a button. Sorry, James.

33. JASON MOHAMMAD

BBC Wales presenter Jason never seems to stop talking – but the opinionated, sports-mad presenter from Cardiff is as lovely as he is chatty, keeping us entertained every weekday with his fast-paced phone-in on Radio Wales at lunchtimes.

34. CHRIS CORCORAN

There’s more to this 38-year-old from Pontypridd than being our sexiest man’s sidekick. While he co-presents on Radio Wales every Saturday morning, he’s also a well-known face on the stand-up comedy circuit. The former CBeebies presenter who originally trained as a teacher, saw his first book published this year.

35. GRANT NICHOLAS

Possibly one of the loveliest men in Welsh rock, we can’t believe the gorgeous Grant from Chepstow is 43. The band, who’ve just finished a tour of South Africa and finish the year with dates around the UK, have been going for more than 20 years, but Grant still has ambitions to collaborate with Madonna.

36. GARETH BALE

Footie wonder kid Gareth from Cardiff has had a meteoric rise to fame, most dramatically this season as he helped his team Tottenham Hotspurs climb reach the last 16 of the Champions League. When he scored a hat-trick against Inter Milan, the world sat up and noticed and the 21-year-old’s future just keeps looking better and better.

37. RHYS IFANS

We’re not the only ones who agree this actor and singer has swagger. Following the Howard Marx biopic, Mr Nice, this year, the 42-year-old’s now filming the new Peter Pan film, Neverland, where he plays Captain Hook.

38. HUW EURIG DAVIES

This hard-working businessman and all-round nice guy co-founded independent TV production company Boomerang in 1994 and is now the Cardiff group’s chief executive. Last year he was given an honorary fellowship by Aberystwyth University and continues to play a part in what’s big and what’s now in Welsh TV.

39. BRYN WILLIAMS

Denbigh-born former winner of the BBC’s Great British Menu owns posh restaurant Odettes in Primrose Hill. The top TV chef is dating singer Sharleen Spiteri who told us this year she was first attracted to his “sexy” way of chopping onions. Really.

40. AARON RAMSEY

Welsh international footballer Aaron from Caerphilly is currently on loanplaying for at Nottingham Forest from Arsenal. One of the country’s youngest talents, he turns 20 this month.

41. TOM MAYNARD

Cardiff-born 21-year-old Tom made his way up the ranks with Glamorgan Cricket Club, starting in the county’s Under-17s side at the age of 15. What is it about cricket whites that are so sexy?

42. TOM JONES

Last year, a Hungarian magazine voted The Voice the Sexiest Man in the World. The 70-year-old still oozes sex appeal and he shows no sign of slowing down with age. His Praise and Blame album debuted at number two on the UK album chart when it was released in August.

43. PAUL RAGAN

Outspoken Cardiff Devils owner, serial entrepreneur and TV star on The Secret Millionaire, Paul also wants to transform the Welsh economy with a series of ‘centres for business’ across the country. Since selling his company, Motaquote, in a £20m deal in 2008, he now mentors the business leaders of the future.

44. JOE CALZAGHE

Since retiring from boxing, the undefeated world champ tried out his footwork skills on Strictly Come Dancing. He didn’t win, but he did bag a new love in partner Kristina Rihanhoff. The Newbridge 38-year-old is now a model and ambassador for men’s clothing line, Jacamo.

45. MIKE PHILLIPS

Gorgeous rugby star Mike is dating world-famous singer Duffy, who recently said: “Mike is 6ft 3in and more than 16 stone. I need some solid arms around me when I feel vulnerable.” Jealous, anyone?

46. BEN EVANS

The 26-year-old from Hendy near Llanelli is now appearing in the multi-award winning West End musical, Jersey Boys. But you may recognise him from BBC Wales comedy High Hopes. The talented actor has also appeared in EastEnders and The Bill and went to the same stage school as Amy Winehouse.

47. RICHARD HARRINGTON

Dashing Bleak House actor Richard, from Merthyr Tydfil, said appearing in S4C’s nine-episode epic Pen Talar changed his life. The 35-year-old father-of-two realised how much he missed being in Wales thanks to the drama. He and his family have now moved back to Cardiff after five years in London.

48. CARWYN JONES

Strong and sexy, our First Minister is a guilty crush. On Wednesday, a BBC/ICM poll found that 12 months on, 53 % of the Welsh public think the 43-year-old is doing a “good job”. So it’s been a good week for the former barrister and silver fox.

49. ALAN THOMPSON

King of the late night airwaves, Alan is BBC Wales’ go-to man if rock stars and pop darlings want to talk seriously about their work. Cheeky, cuddly and simply adorable, our evenings just wouldn’t be the same without him.

50. TIMOTHY DALTON

This swashbuckling, classically trained Shakespearean actor and, who could forget, 007, hails from Colwyn Bay. He was back in Cardiff this time last year for the Doctor Who Christmas special, and he’s just finished lending his voice alongside Angelica Huston and Lucy Liu on animated film, Tinker Bell and the Mysterious Winter Woods.

What do you think of our list? Have we left out any of your favourite men? Let us know in the comments box below